DOG GAME OF THE NIGHT

HAWKS @ GRIZZLIES

RUNDOWN

Hawks-Grizzlies is the perfect post-Christmas treat for all NBA fans. In what should be an uptempo, high-scoring affair, the matchup features two of the best guards in all of basketball: Trae Young & Ja Morant. Young & Morant are both off to a torrid pace to start 2020-21.

In a blowout victory v. Chicago on Opening Night, Young scored a ridiculous 37 pts on just 12! shot attempts. Meanwhile, Ja Morant dropped 44 in a loss v. San Antonio - youngest player in league history to score 40 in a season opener - expect more of the same when the two teams face off.

Atlanta looks much improved over a year ago, with a nice combination of internal growth (Cam Reddish, De’Andre Hunter, Kevin Huerter) & savvy acquisitions (Danilo Gallinari & Bogdan Bogdanovic). Along with John Collins, Clint Capela & a host of other Hawks awaiting their season debuts (Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, Onyeka Okongwu), suddenly ATL has a formidable roster with real playoff hopes in 2021.

Memphis, on the other hand, saw minimal improvement in terms of roster makeup - though another year of Morant, Brandon Clarke & continuity under Coach Taylor Jenkins might just be the right recipe for a successful season. But without Jaren Jackson Jr. to start the year, the onus is on Morant to take over on a nightly basis.

A “personal battle” between Young & Morant won’t overshadow what should be a closely contested shootout.

PROJECTED WINNER: GRIZZLIES

PROJECTED TOP DOG (PLAYER OF THE GAME): JA MORANT

TAKE NOTE OF:

(ATL) • J. Collins + C. Capela pts = • T. Young triples + dimes =

(ATL) • Total Dimes v. Total TOs • Won board battle?

(MEM) • J. Morant performance • D. Brooks performance

(MEM) • over 115 pts scored? • ATL FG%